This year, every Australian will get a My Health Record unless they tell us they don’t want one.
Based on independent research, individuals have told us that the most acceptable channel to receive information about the My Health Record is via their healthcare providers.
What is My Health Record?
My Health Record is a secure online summary of key health information such as medical history, medicines, allergies and adverse reactions, immunisation, hospital discharge summaries, and reports from tests and scans.
For patients and clients it means their important health information is kept together in one place that is accessible anytime by their authorized healthcare providers, including in a medical emergency.
Who gets a record?
Currently, more than one in five Australians have a My Health Record. Later this year, the program will be expanded to an ‘opt-out’ participation model, whereby every individual with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card will get a My Health Record unless they tell us they don’t want one.
A three month opt-out period will be held from 16 July 2018 to 15 October 2018. During this period, those individuals who do not want to have a My Health Record can opt out by:
- Going to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or
- Calling the Help line on 1800 723 471
What will My Health Record mean for my practice?
As more people use My Health Record and information in the system grows, it will help support clinical decision-making, decrease search time for relevant information and improve continuity of care.
Health provider leadership is essential in the transformation of healthcare. Australia has a momentous opportunity to create the digital health infrastructure that will produce benefits long into the future.
How do I find out more?
In the coming months you will hear more about the My Health Record expansion. In the meantime, go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au to find out more, including:
- The benefits of My Health Record
- How to register
- Training and resources
- How to upload and view information
- Supporting your patients
2018 is the year that we will all be able to join the ‘digital health’ movement and play our role in supporting all Australians through better access to information.
(Source: Digital Health Agency)
